Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S-Series LEADERBOARD

Mandurah Race: Perfect one day, better the next

by Bernie Kaaks 15 Mar 2018 15:35 UTC
Mike Giles' Endorfin being monstered by Argo and Weapon of Choice in the return race © Bernie Kaaks

It was a bittersweet occasion for offshore sailors last weekend, returning to a spot barely ten miles from where their popular colleagues Rob Thomas and Paul Owens died two weeks earlier in a capsize during the Bunbury and return ocean race.

There were no problems this time. South easterly and easterly conditions made for an easy race in both directions. In the race from Fremantle on Saturday, Garth Curran's Walk on the Wild Side set the pace, the Inglis 58 carving out the distance 14 minutes ahead of Alan Stein's GP42 Dirty Deeds to finish first in YAH handicap. Dirty Deeds however, took first place on IRC and backed that up with another win in the return race on Sunday. The use of a staysail gave the boat superb reaching performance. In the return race Dirty Deeds was recalled but sailed past all boats except Walk on the Wild Side before reaching the Peelhurst rounding mark. She caught and passed Wild Side on the next leg of the race, a square run from Peelhurst to Horseshoe Reef.

The square run caught several skippers unawares. The breeze was typically in the 15 knot range, but as often happens in this weather pattern, there were some big bullets as well. Anthony Kirke and Andrew Nuttman's Enterprise was first to go, losing her grip and falling into a Chinese gybe. They recovered quickly, but narrowly behind them, Paul Arns' Obsession, worried about the close proximity of Enterprise on one side and Chris Higham's Argo on the other, followed suit with a spectacular Chinese gybe of their own. It took some time to regain control, by which time Argo gleefully flew past both yachts with her big white kite in perfect trim. Argo continued her good form to finish second on IRC, a repeat of her Saturday performance.

At the other end of the fleet, Ryan Binedell combined with Reuben Rosolin in the S97 Low Flying Duck. Competing in the double handed division, the little boat outpaced Bruce Beattie's Radford 47 Lizard to the top mark on both days and set an IRC time on the return which gave the boat first place overall.

The Beneteau 34.7's Dynamic and Wyuna enjoyed close competition on both days, finishing second and third on IRC on Saturday and improving to first and second on Sunday's return. Phil Somerville's S&S34 Huckleberry knocked the pair out of first place on Saturday and finished third n the return race.

After the tragedy of the last ocean race on the West Coast, this was a cathartic return to ocean racing for many and there were emotional moments at the Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club on Saturday evening as sailors paid their respects.

Related Articles

Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser and much more Up for auction: Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser, Mustang 2800 powerboat, Cobalt 243 cuddy cabin, Monterey 270 cruiser, Arber 9 sailing catamaran, and much more. Posted on 1 Apr
New IGFA Junior Line & Tippet Class World Records
Expanding youth records to celebrate skill, ethics, and conservation IGFA is excited to announce the launch of new Junior Line Class and Junior Tippet Class World Record categories, giving anglers aged 16 and under even more opportunities to be recognized for their achievements on the water. Posted on 1 Apr
Caleb Kuphall's go-to Spinnerbait and Jig Rods
Spinnerbaits and jigs are two of the top presentations in bass fishing Spinnerbaits and jigs are two of the top presentations in bass fishing. Bassmaster Elite and NPFL angler, Caleb Kuphall, discusses the specific Victory and Legend Tournament Bass rod models he relies on for these staple techniques. Posted on 28 Mar
Sailfish techniques for catching mahi mahi
They are found world-wide in temperate offshore waters Dolphin fish, commonly referred to using their Hawaiian name "mahi mahi" to avoid confusion with dolphin mammals ("Flipper"), ranks as one of the most popular fish in the ocean. Posted on 26 Mar
Top 10 baits from Lake Chickamauga
Minnows were the name of the game at Chick, but there were other big players The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Central Division tournament on Lake Chickamauga was a big success, with heavy weights and lots of fish caught. Posted on 26 Mar
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts